The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has committed to assisting at least two of the babies affected by burning allegedly at the hands of the Mount St John’s Medical Centre, Health minister Molwyn Joseph has said.
So far, four mothers have come forward claiming injuries with one mother seeking compensation.
While giving a commitment to covering the medical bill of the children, minister Joseph says transparency and openness is a policy that must take root in public institutions.
“The two cases, the parents I have met with and have made certain commitments to them, the most important commitment is that the government will accept responsibility for the children’s care. The issue for me is to look at Mt St John in terms of where we want to be in the future as a health institution and one of the pillars or principle policy that has to take root in any institution that is going to be an institution of excellence is transparency and openness.”
Joseph said he is commitment to transparency saying the health ministry will always be a ministry that is transparent.
“There is no such thing as keeping information from the public that would be tolerated by my ministry. I will say further that you heard the Prime Minister on several occasion enunciate a policy of transparency and I buy into that wholeheartedly and my ministry will always undertake issues in a transparent way.”
The minister says he will elaborate more on the matter in a press conference scheduled for early this week.
It is not clear what assistance the other burnt babies will receive.
The mothers claim that the babies were burnt while receiving care at the hospital.
The MSJMC in a statement said it cannot comment on the individual cases while it looks into the matter and would prefer to communicate with parents directly.
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The entire public relations machinery behind this saga was so poor. This was an extremely badly handled situation by the hospital who are now forced into a damage control position. I hope this will be a learning experience for all concerned.
Well with SALMA CRUMP as its PR person, waddaya expect?? Still don’t know why she gets paid and what she gets paid to do.
Now observer snake pit broke this story give credit where it is due.
Responsibility means care and compensation.
The trauma the child suffered is unknown. The attempted cover up.
The minister should resign as would be reasonably expected in any first world country. He should have foresee this and had measures in place to prevent this.
But remember this is skin to a cartoon country!
Accepting responsibility!! The Minister has just accepted liability and it goes beyond their.current medical bills. I hope they get a lawyer. Its about time.
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